Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Sikkim’s Robin and Kunzang to play for NorthEast United FC

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: Two Sikkimese footballers, Robin Gurung and Kunzang Bhutia have been included in the Indian Super League Team- NorthEast United FC which is co-owned by Bollywood star John Abraham and Shillong Lajong FC.
As per a press release from NorthEast United FC, the team is set to feature 14 domestic players from the I-League Club which will also see participation of top quality International players. The Hero Indian Super League which is an IPL style football tournament promoted by IMG-R and Star India, is set to kick off in October.
Robin Gurung is a very good technical defender who can play in any defensive position, but with his pace, can also be a dangerous attacker from the wings. He has been playing football since childhood in Gyalshing in West Sikkim. It was in the year 2002, when he first played a football tournament in the Under 12 age category at Namchi Sports hostel, South Sikkim. During the same year he was selected to be part of the Subroto Cup under 14 exposure trip to New Delhi.
He signed his first professional contract with ONGC Mumbai in 2009 and then joined Rangdajied United in 2011. He returned to ONGC in 2012 and then Lajong FC signed the 22 year old defender and has since played a dominant role at the heart of the Lajong defence.
Robin Gurung is immensely excited to play for NorthEast United FC and has said that he is very proud and happy to be part of NorthEast United FC since Sikkim is also part of the NorthEast. He has stated that he looks forward to gain a lot of experience playing alongside top International players in this tournament and will give his 100 per cent on the pitch, the release mentions.
In addition to Robin Gurung, the Club has also selected Kunzang Bhutia of Sikkim. Kunzang who is very passionate about football first got the opportunity to represent his state in the Under 16 age category in 2006 and on seeing his talent and skills, he was then enrolled to the Sports Authority of India in 2007.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper had played for the Local Football League in New Delhi with SADRA FC in 2010 and played the Santosh Trophy for Sikkim during the same year.
Kunzang who is the only professional footballer from his hometown Lachung was offered a contract with the then Second Division I-League Club Royal Wahingdoh at the end of 2010 and the deal with the Shillong based Club ended in 2012.
The Lajong Coaching Staff approached Kunzang Bhutia to join the roster in the summer of 2013 and has since made a significant impact with the Club in various youth tournaments. His improvement is the main reason for his inclusion in the ISL squad and he hopes to gain a valuable experience.
The young goalie has said that this is a great opportunity and is hoping for an exciting and incredible season with the club, the release adds.

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